activate

[ ak-tuh-veyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ac·ti·vat·ed, ac·ti·vat·ing.

1. to make active; cause to function or act.

   Synonyms: start, actuate

   Antonyms: halt, stop, check

2. Physics.
   1. to render more reactive; excite:

      to activate a molecule.

   2. to induce radioactivity.
3. to aerate (sewage) in order to accelerate decomposition of impure organic matter by microorganisms.
4. Chemistry.
   1. to make (carbon, a catalyst, molecules, etc.) more active.
   2. to hasten (reactions) by various means, as heating.
5. to place (a military unit or station) on an active status in an assigned capacity.

verb (used without object)

, ac·ti·vat·ed, ac·ti·vat·ing.

1. to become active or functional.

activate

/ ˈæktɪˌveɪt /

verb

1. to make active or capable of action
2. physics to make radioactive
3. chem
   1. to increase the rate of (a reaction)
   2. to treat (a substance, such as carbon or alumina) so as to increase powers of adsorption
4. physiol to prepare by arousal (the body or one of its organs (e.g. the brain)) for action
5. to purify (sewage) by aeration
6. military to create, mobilize, or organize (a unit)

Derived Forms

• ˈactiˌvator, noun
• ˌactiˈvation, noun

Other Words From

• ac·ti·va·tion [ak-t, uh, -, vey, -sh, uh, n], noun
• non·ac·ti·va·tion noun
• o·ver·ac·ti·vate verb (used with object) overactivated overactivating
• su·per·ac·ti·vate verb (used with object) superactivated superactivating
• un·ac·ti·vat·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of activate¹

First recorded in 1620–30; active + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Furthermore, when the researchers artificially activated this cortex-pons-medulla circuit, the animals' breath slowed, and they showed fewer signs of anxiety.

From Science Daily

Through further testing the team found that the new antibodies did not disrupt HGF activity itself, meaning it could still activate satellite cells.

From Science Daily

"In Parkinson's disease, when they're constantly activated, microglia can propagate further damage to the surrounding tissue. That's what we see in Parkinson's brains, particularly in regions associated with cognitive decline."

From Science Daily

A yellow weather warning for snow and ice forecast for the region has meant cold weather plans for Merseyrail and Network Rail have been activated.

From BBC

Next, the researchers calculated the energy an octopus would use when activating all chromatophores at once.

From Science Magazine

Related Words

• call up
• mobilize
• stimulate
• switch on
• trigger
• turn on